City News

Below-Freezing Temperatures Returning to Area

Tips to Potentially Stave Off Frozen Water Lines

Post Date:01/07/2019 9:43 AM

The City of Kingman is reminding residents to be mindful of below-freezing temperatures, and the potential for frozen or burst water lines during the colder season.

Pipes exposed to cold air (especially flowing air, as on a windy day), because of cracks in an outside wall or lack of insulation, are especially vulnerable to freezing. Many property owners are unaware that they own the pipes—called private service lines or laterals—that bring water into their homes and carry wastewater away. If service pipelines clog, leak or break, it is the property owner’s responsibility to contact a plumber and pay for repairs.

Some tips people can follow to potentially help:

Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing

Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night

Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent a pipe from bursting

Apply heat tape

Heat the surrounding air with a space heater or heat pipes with a hair dryer

Wrap the pipe in hot towels

The city urges residents to contact their homeowners insurance to make sure their valuables can be replaced in the event of a burst pipe causing water damage on their property, as the city is not liable for water damage in/on private property.